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PAUL FRIESEN, QMI Agency

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets are closing in on a new contract with forward Tanner Glass.

The 28-year-old winger is one of six Jets scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, July 1.

“Not quite there, yet, but definitely talking. I’d say we’re at 80%-85% (done),” Glass told the Winnipeg Sun Wednesday. “We both want to get it done, so that’s the main thing.”

Glass recorded five goals, 11 assists in 78 games last season, playing mainly on the checking unit dubbed the GST Line, along with the recently re-signed Jim Slater and Chris Thorburn.

Signed as a free agent last July 1 to a one-year, $750,000 deal, the Regina native says testing the free-agent market again is always an option.

“But it’s not something I’m jumping up and down to get there,” Glass said. “I’m not going to go just to go. If we can get there, I’d love to be in Winnipeg. But if not ... it’s a negotiating tool that’s out there, so you’ve got to use it.”

The other Jets set to become UFAs: goalie Chris Mason, forward Kyle Wellwood and defencemen Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Derek Meech.

There’s a bigger question mark hanging over everyone’s head: will next season be delayed, or even wiped out, by another labour dispute?

Glass, the Jets assistant player rep, will spend part of his summer finding out.

“Looking at the way the other major sports have gone, you’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat concerned,” he said, referring to recent reductions in the players’ share of revenue in both the NFL and NBA. “But in that negotiation, also, both sides want to get something done.”

Glass says he remains optimistic, albeit with a catch.

“We’re definitely not interested in making huge concessions, that’s for sure.”